Cost of Living in Delhi: A Guide for Foreign Visitors

India's bustling capital, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modernity, making it an attractive destination for foreign visitors. Before diving into cost of living lets know little bit about Delhi. The metropolis, officially the National Capital Territory(NCT) of Delhi, is a city and a union territory of India containing New Delhi, the capital of India. Straddling the Yamuna river, but spread chiefly to the west, or beyond it's right bank. Understanding the cost of living in Delhi can help you plan your trip effectively.

Accommodation Costs

The cost of accommodation in Delhi varies greatly depending on your budget and preferences. Here are some options:

Hostels: ₹465 - ₹1,400 (approximately $5-$17 USD) per night

Budget Hotels: ₹894 - ₹3,800 (approximately $10-$44 USD) per night

Luxury Hotels: ₹16,000 and above (approximately $196 USD) per night

Home stay's rent varies from ₹20,000 - ₹40,000(250$-500$) per month and is strongly recommended for long stay or budget travelers

Food Costs

Delhi offers a diverse range of culinary options to suit all budgets. Here are some approximate food costs:

Street Food: ₹100 - ₹300 (approximately $1-$4 USD) per meal

Mid-range Restaurants: ₹500 - ₹1,900 (approximately $6-$23 USD) per meal for two people

Fine Dining: ₹1,200 - ₹2,500 (approximately $14-$30 USD) per meal for two people

Note: To avoid fat and fear of food poisoning it's good to avoid any kind of street food as it contains lots of palm oil and old or used oil.  

Transportation Costs

Delhi has a well-connected public transportation system. Here are some approximate transportation costs:

Metro: ₹50 (approximately $0.60 USD) for a one-way ticket

Auto-rickshaws: ₹100 - ₹200 (approximately $1-$2 USD) for a short ride

Taxis: ₹200 - ₹500 (approximately $2-$6 USD) for a short ride

Uber/Ola taxis are the best transportation medium for foreign visitors to get a fair price without negotiation and are strongly recommended to avoid any type of scams.

Places to See

Delhi is home to numerous historical, cultural, and entertainment attractions. Here are some must-visit places:

                           

Left: Red Fort: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and former Mughal palace (entry fee: ₹35 for Indians, ₹500 for foreigners)

Right:  India Gate: A war memorial and iconic landmark (free entry)

                                      Jama Masjid: India's Biggest Mosque (no entry fee)

Humayun's Tomb: A UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mughal architecture ( entry fee: ₹40 for indians, ₹600 for foreigners)

 

Dilli Haat: A cultural market offering traditional crafts, food, and souvenirs (entry fee: nominal)

 

Places to Eat

Delhi is renowned for its street food and diverse culinary scene. Here are some popular places to eat:

Chandni Chowk: A historic market offering a range of street food and local cuisine (average cost: ₹100-₹500 per meal)

Dhaba Restaurants: Local eateries serving affordable North Indian cuisine (average cost: ₹200-₹500 per meal)

Indian Coffee House: A budget-friendly cafe chain offering delicious food and drinks (average cost: ₹100-₹300 per meal)

Distances

Here are some approximate distances between popular attractions in Delhi:

India Gate to Red Fort: 4 km (2.5 miles)

Red Fort to Qutub Minar: 14 km (8.7 miles)

Qutub Minar to Dilli Haat: 10 km (6.2 miles)

India Gate to Humayun's Tomb: 3.7 km (2.3 miles)

Chandni Chowk to India Gate: 4 km (2.5 miles)

Budget Tips

To make the most of your trip to Delhi, consider the following budget tips:

      - Use public transportation or walk whenever possible

      - Eat at local eateries or street food stalls

      - Avoid luxury hotels and opt for budget-friendly options like 2&3 star hotels or Home stays 

      - Bargain when shopping at markets.

Conclusion

After understanding the costs of all these items you can get the idea of a certain figure that one needs to spend in a day in Delhi including accommodation,transportation,food and other expenses.

Normal traveler : min. ₹1500(18$) to as much they wish to spend.

Budget traveler : ₹1500-₹2000(18$-23$).

By knowing the cost of living in Delhi and planning your trip accordingly, you can enjoy a memorable and affordable experience in this vibrant city.

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